ORLANDO, Fla. – A trial date has been set for the first murder trial of Markeith Loyd, who is charged with murder in two slayings.
During a status hearing Wednesday, Chief Judge Frederick Lauten said Loyd's trial will begin May 6.
Earlier in the hearing, several motions were discussed.
The defense attorneys first told the judge about their intention to possibly call experts to testify about a perceived racial bias surrounding the death penalty. A ruling on the motion was put on hold as Loyd's attorneys said they're exploring the possible testimony.
Later in the hearing, the defense was granted an order to subpoena the Facebook records of Loyd's ex-girlfriend Sade Dixon.
As the conversation turned to trial scheduling, the defense raised concerns about the state withholding information about a Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation into the police takedown of Loyd.
"It's a relevant issue in this particular case that portrays my client as someone who is resisting as opposed to someone who is willing to give up," defense attorney Terence Lenamon said.
The defense said it is seeking statements from each of the officers involved in the arrest, while the state said it is not hiding any information and wants to move forward with the trial.
"I've disclosed it to (Lenamon)," Assistant State Attorney Rick Ridgway said. "He knows who has it. He knows it's FDLE and Mr. Archer's office. He can take whatever actions he wants and get it from them. Nobody's hiding anything."
Lauten said he intends to set specific deadlines ahead of Loyd's next hearing, which has not been scheduled.
Judge grants defense’s motion to subpoena Sade Dixon’s Facebook records. Defense also tells judge they have came into possession of an Instagram picture of Dixon with a firearm.
The defense is also asking for transcripts of certain witnesses from the Grand Jury proceedings, which are sealed. Judge denied motion, but says defense could refile if they learn a witness has changed their testimony.
Chief Judge Lauten has entered the courtroom. Today’s hearing involves a series of motions. First one discussed involves the defense calling experts to testify about a perceived racial bias behind the death penalty.
Mark Lehman became a News 6 reporter in July 2014, but he's been a Central Florida journalist and part of the News 6 team for much longer. While most people are fast asleep in their bed, Mark starts his day overnight by searching for news on the streets of Central Florida.
Cathleigh is a newscast producer and has been with News 6 since 2014. She graduated from the University of North Florida with a degree in communications, with a focus in broadcast journalism. Cathleigh produces the 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. newscasts.
